Volunteering involves offering services to a nonprofit organisation or charity without expecting payment. It provides both personal and professional growth, enabling individuals to support their local communities through selfless, unpaid efforts. Additionally, volunteering allows people to gain experience in areas of interest or fields related to their careers. For graduates, it enhances employability by helping them develop essential professional skills and gain valuable experience. Overall, volunteering serves as a valuable tool for career advancement.

So, let’s take a look at some of the key advantages of volunteering.

Experience

Graduates often have limited work experience as they are new to the job market. As such, volunteering can be particularly valuable in bridging this gap, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop transferable skills essential for entry-level roles. Research by Seek NZ indicates that 75% of hiring managers view volunteer experience as a benefit during job interviews. Even with minimal formal employment, volunteering demonstrates dedication and commitment to potential employers.

Gain new skills

Volunteering provides an opportunity to develop valuable new skills, particularly soft skills that are essential across all industries and professions. These include communication, time management, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, and organisational skills. In addition, volunteering can help graduates acquire hard skills relevant to their chosen field, making them better prepared for job applications or graduate programs.

Networking opportunities

Volunteering allows you to connect with professionals within the organisation or charity you support. Even if they are not directly involved in your desired industry, these connections can still be valuable. They can vouch for your key attributes, serve as references for graduate roles, and even inform you about job opportunities. Through volunteer work, you can expand your network to include respected professionals who may assist in your career development.

Career exploration

If you're uncertain about which career path to pursue after graduation, volunteering provides a valuable opportunity to explore different roles before committing to full-time employment. Instead of having multiple short-term jobs on your resume, volunteering allows you to gain hands-on experience and determine whether a specific role or industry aligns with your interests and skills.

Standing out to employers

Volunteering requires compassion, dedication, and a strong work ethic, qualities that are not easily taught. The decision to engage in volunteer work is impressive to employers, as it reflects initiative and commitment. Companies also value employees who contribute positively to workplace culture, making volunteer experience a strong asset. Furthermore, since most graduates applying for the same positions have similar educational backgrounds and limited work experience, volunteering helps distinguish you from other candidates, increasing your chances of securing a role.